It might sound a bit wild, but if you're "nuts" about wildlife, St. Paul's Church in New York offers a surprisingly rich experience. Tucked away amidst the warehouses and industrial yards, this five-acre cemetery has become an unlikely sanctuary for a variety of creatures, proving that nature has a way of finding a foothold even in the most unexpected places.
What's fascinating is how these animals manage to thrive in what's essentially an industrial setting. They're a diverse bunch, but they share a common thread: adaptability. A key to their survival is their varied diet. They're not picky eaters, which is crucial when your backyard is more concrete than clover. And when those New York winters hit, many species know just what to do – hibernate. Plus, they tend to have plenty of offspring, a smart strategy to keep their populations going when they're often on the menu for other predators.
Walking through St. Paul's, you might encounter some familiar "backyard" critters, but there are also some real surprises. It's a bit of a time capsule, too. The early settlers of the area, back in the 17th century, would have recognized many of the same species we see today, even though the landscape has changed dramatically.
Take the opossum, for instance. These are the only marsupials you'll find in the U.S. and Canada, and spotting one in a busy industrial zone can be quite a shock. These resourceful animals are omnivores and scavengers, happily munching on grass, nuts, fruits, and whatever else they can find. They're also known for their rather dramatic defense mechanism – playing dead. When threatened by dogs, foxes, or bobcats, they'll go limp, eyes glazed over, tongue hanging out. It's a trick that often buys them enough time to make a quick escape, especially since they're such adept climbers, thanks to their sharp claws and prehensile tails.
Then there are the groundhogs, or woodchucks, the largest members of the squirrel family. These guys are masters of the feast-and-fast cycle. They gorge themselves in the summer to build up fat reserves, then disappear into their burrows to hibernate through the winter, living off that stored energy. It's this very hibernation that gave us the beloved tradition of Groundhog Day. While they're capable climbers and swimmers, they prefer life on the ground, often found near the edges of woodlands, fields, and roads.
And who could forget the raccoon? With their nimble paws and long fingers, they're expert foragers. These nocturnal creatures are omnivores, adept at snatching crayfish from streams, plucking insects, and raiding nests for eggs. Like groundhogs, they often build up fat reserves in warmer months and hibernate during the colder parts of winter. Raccoons are incredibly adaptable, thriving in forests, marshes, prairies, and even cities, often making dens in fallen logs or, yes, even attics.
Don't forget the Eastern Cottontail rabbits, with their distinctive fluffy white tails. These prolific breeders can be found across a wide range of habitats, from fields and meadows to more urban fringes. They're herbivores, nibbling on grasses and herbs, and in winter, they'll turn to bark and twigs. When startled, they bolt in a zig-zag pattern, reaching speeds of up to 18 mph. Though they breed frequently, their young are quite vulnerable, with only about 15% surviving to maturity.
Even skunks find a home here. Their striking black-and-white patterns aren't just for show; they're a warning. Their potent spray, an oily liquid that can travel up to ten feet, might not cause serious harm, but it certainly makes predators think twice, lingering for days.
It's a testament to the resilience of wildlife that such a diverse array of animals can coexist and even flourish in an environment that, on the surface, seems so inhospitable. St. Paul's Church offers a quiet reminder that nature, in its own ingenious way, continues to find a way.
